Genesis 38:4
Genesis 38:4 in Multiple Translations
Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Onan.
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan.
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan.
And again she gave birth to a son, and he gave him the name Onan.
She became pregnant again and had a son she named Onan.
And she conceiued againe, and bare a sonne, and she called his name Onan.
and she conceiveth again, and beareth a son, and calleth his name Onan;
She conceived again, and bore a son; and she named him Onan.
And she conceived again, and bore a son; and she called his name Onan.
And conceiving again, she bore a son, and called him Onan.
Later she became pregnant again and gave birth to another son whom she named Onan.
Later, that woman had another baby boy, and she named him Onan.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 38:4
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 38:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/תַּ֥הַר
ע֖וֹד
וַ/תֵּ֣לֶד
בֵּ֑ן
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
אֶת
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
אוֹנָֽן
וַ/תַּ֥הַר
hârâh
H2029
to conceive
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
וַ/תֵּ֣לֶד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
בֵּ֑ן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms | Suff
אוֹנָֽן
ʼÔwnân
H209
Onan
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 38:4
וַ/תַּ֥הַר
hârâh
H2029
"to conceive"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
To conceive or become pregnant, as seen in the story of Sarah and Abraham in Genesis 17, where Sarah conceives Isaac in her old age. This word is used to describe the miracle of birth and new life.
Definition: 1) to conceive, become pregnant, bear, be with child, be conceived, progenitor 1a)(Qal) to conceive, become pregnant 1b) (Pual) to be conceived 1c) (Poel) to conceive, contrive, devise
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: been, be with child, conceive, progenitor. See also: Genesis 4:1; Numbers 11:12; Psalms 7:15.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
וַ/תֵּ֣לֶד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
בֵּ֑ן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
וַ/תִּקְרָ֥א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁמ֖/וֹ
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אוֹנָֽן
ʼÔwnân
H209
"Onan"
N-proper
Onan was a son of Judah, mentioned in Genesis 38:4, who failed to fulfill a family duty and was slain by God. He was the brother of Er and Shelah. Onan means strong.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Gen.38.4; son of: Judah (H3063) and Bath-shua (H1323I) ; brother of: Er (H6147) and Shelah (H7956); half-brother of: Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I) § Onan = "strong" second son of Judah, slain by God for not fulfilling the levitical requirement to beget a child with the wife of a dead, childless brother
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Onan. See also: Genesis 38:4; Genesis 46:12; 1 Chronicles 2:3.
Study Notes — Genesis 38:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Judah and Tamar
2There Judah saw the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua, and he took her as a wife and slept with her.
3So she conceived and gave birth to a son, and Judah named him Er.
4Again she conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Onan.
5Then she gave birth to another son and named him Shelah; it was at Chezib that she gave birth to him. 6Now Judah acquired a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 46:12 | The sons of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The sons of Perez: Hezron and Hamul. |
| 2 | Numbers 26:19 | The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan. |
Genesis 38:4 Summary
This verse tells us that Judah's wife had another son, whom she named Onan. The fact that the Bible mentions Onan's name and birth shows that every person is important and valued by God, as we see in Psalm 139:13-16. Just like Onan, we are all part of a larger family and story that God is writing, and our lives have purpose and meaning in His eyes (Romans 8:28). As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that our own lives and families are part of a bigger narrative that God is unfolding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bible mention the names of Judah's sons?
The Bible mentions the names of Judah's sons, including Onan, to highlight their significance in the biblical narrative and to emphasize God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, as seen in Genesis 38:4 and Psalm 139:13-16.
What can we learn from the fact that Onan's mother named him?
The fact that Onan's mother named him, as stated in Genesis 38:4, may indicate that she had a significant role in his life and upbringing, similar to the way Hannah prayed for and dedicated Samuel to the Lord in 1 Samuel 1:27-28.
How does this verse fit into the larger story of Judah and his family?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Judah and his family, which ultimately points to the coming of Jesus Christ, as seen in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17, which includes Judah and his descendants.
What can we infer about Onan's character based on his introduction in this verse?
Although we cannot infer much about Onan's character from this verse alone, his introduction in Genesis 38:4 sets the stage for his actions in subsequent verses, such as Genesis 38:8-10, which reveal more about his character and relationship with God.
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about the importance of family and legacy in the biblical narrative?
- How does the naming of Onan reflect the hopes and expectations of his parents, and what can we learn from their example?
- What role do you think Onan's mother played in shaping his spiritual development, and what responsibilities do parents have in raising their children to know and follow God?
- In what ways can we apply the principles of biblical parenting, as seen in this verse and others, to our own lives and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 38:4
And she conceived again, and bare a son,.... As soon as she well could: and she called his name Onan; the first son Judah gave the name to, but his wife named this, so called from grief or sorrow;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 38:4
And she conceived, and bare a son; and he called his name Er. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 38:4
Genesis 38:4 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and she called his name Onan.Ver. 4. She called.] Shush named her two latter children; the one it is like by the licence, the other by the absence of her husband.